After the setback in Round 1 of the Playoffs, the Rockets found a perfect solution. In a blockbuster seven-team trade, the Houston franchise acquired Kevin Durant. A perfect way to energize the fanbase again. It was all looking good, as they were just one week away from the training camp. But Fred VanVleet’s ACL news has put a bummer on those championship plans. The team is in a pickle, but Jeff Teague has a solution in mind.

First, speaking about the absence of the leader in VanVleet, Teague stated, “Yeah. I think this changed the whole dynamic of their team.” One of the co-hosts on the podcast suggested the addition of Russell Westbrook. Jeff agreed with “Got to“. But that’s a solution that can’t be attained immediately. The Rockets have a lot of restrictions, meaning they can’t shop outside. Internally, the options are very obvious with Amen Thompson; however, that’s the only one.

On Club 520’s latest episode, Jeff Teague added, “I’m not even mad. They probably going to play a different way. They probably going to put Thompson Twin at the point. Yeah. And u let him bring up the ball or whatever. I mean, Reed Sheppard, obviously, he’s good enough to play.” The rookie last season couldn’t find important minutes for the team. But FVV’s injury increases his probability of sharing the ball duties with Thompson. Let’s understand why the former Hawks star is campaigning for Reed.

“He can shoot the basketball just as good as Fred VanVleet. He doesn’t, he’s not the same kind of defender, but he can play defense. Yeah, he’s obviously not a vet. He’s not been through the Warriors, not a champion, and he’s not been through those battles like VanVleet, but I think he’d be a cool Yeah, he can stand in for a while.” Obviously, comparing a sophomore to 31-year-old Fred VanVleet won’t be fair. However, Teague feels Sheppard had shown glimpses of his ability last season in the G League and also during his collegiate career.

In limited minutes last season, Sheppard shot efficiently and showed catch-and-shoot range; the Rockets had planned to expand his playmaking, and the club’s coaching staff has praised his decision-making as a core building block for the offense this year. In the G-League, his shooting ability was on display for everybody. With the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League, he averaged 30.7 points in three games, including a 49-point outburst with eight threes. Defensively, his numbers are above average for a guard.

His 6-feet-2 frame has helped him with a defensive rating of 109.9, a block percentage of 2.4% and a steal percentage of 2.3%. All above average, considering he is a guard plus, based on his limited minutes. So, the team will definitely look for Sheppard to come good at some point in the season. After all, VanVleet tore his ACL in a mini-camp in the Bahamas. It was reported as a non-contact injury, and he will undergo surgery shortly. The 31-year-old could be out anywhere between nine and twelve months to recover after an ACL injury.

Rockets can’t look outside to solve the Fred VanVleet issue

Let’s not forget that FVV was instrumental in Houston’s rise from the bottom of the Western Conference. Helping the Rockets improve from three straight 20-win seasons to a .500 record in 2023/24 and a 52-30 campaign last year. Taking the onus on himself during the playoffs, he averaged 18.7 points and shot 43.5% from beyond the arc in a seven-game series against Golden State. Plus, he led the team both in assists and steals. Replcaing him is important, but not straightforward. So, why can’t they sign more players?

The issue with that is the Rockets have multiple players on new deals, which means up to nine players can’t be traded until Dec. 15. That leaves Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard as the only tradeable players on the roster. Frankly, only Sheppard is the one the team can look to trade, but being a sophomore, the return won’t be great. Plus, they can’t sign any players to the veteran minimum because they are only $1.2 million under the first apron hard cap. Meaning, players like Ben Simmons and Russel Westbrook are not immediate options.

That’s why ESPN suggested an increase in Thompson’s role. “You’re going to get a healthy dose of Amen Thompson at point guard this year.” On ESPN’s NBA Today, front-office insider Bobby Marks was confident about the change in the Rockets’ lineup. Leaving Thompson to direct the offense featuring Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, and Alperen Sengun. Last season, the Thompson twin logged over 1,300 possessions at point guard, averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 55.7% shooting.

His 6-foot-7 frame gives length, athleticism, and defensive impact give Houston a versatile option. Let’s not forget that the main option on the team will still be the veteran bucket getter, Kevin Durant. With that in mind, the Rockets might deal with FVV’s injury in a better way and can still find themselves contending.